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It’s an iconic trek, one of the world’s most renowned trails, winding through stunning cloud forests and mighty mountain peaks to arrive at the lost city of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a true bucket list experience.

Trekking the Inca Trail

But it’s important to be prepared, particularly since it requires you to spend several nights camping beneath the vast, starry Peruvian night sky. Here’s everything you need to know about camping on the Inca Trail…

Camping on the Inca TrailPorterage on the Inca Trail

Exodus Porters

On the trail, you’ll only need to carry what you need for that day on your back. Our porters will carry everything else for you, up to a limit of 7kg (10kg on premium departures and the High Inca Trail)!

They’ll pack up camp after you leave in the morning, and have it all set up and ready for you when you arrive in the evening, so you don’t have to worry about putting up tents and the like. We pay our porters well and ensure they have all the equipment that’s necessary for them to do their work.

Sleeping gear

Aside from the tents which we provide and our porters will set up for you, you’ll need a 3 or 4 season sleeping bag, since it gets pretty cold at night! If you have your own, then you should bring it with you, but don’t worry if you don’t; once you arrive, you can arrange with your leader to hire one from us for the duration of the trek. Thermarests are provided.

Private group toilets

Your group will have their own toilet tents – you won’t have to share with any of the other groups on the trail!

Camping on the Inca TrailGroup dinner

Excellent food from local chefs

We take great pride in the quality of the catering provided by our team on the Inca Trail, and we receive great feedback too! Three-course hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners are painstakingly prepared and served by experienced, qualified local chefs.

All water provided

In the mornings and at lunch, you will be provided with all the clean drinking water you need for that day!

Less crowded campsites

One of the benefits of travelling with Exodus is that we know all the hidden secrets of the Inca Trail. Over the years we’ve learned which campsites get really busy and which are quieter – we’ll steer you away from the crowded ones for a more relaxing and enjoyable camping experience.

Camping on the Inca TrailCamping on the Inca Trail

Gear in excellent condition

We take great care to ensure that all of the gear we provide is fully functional and in good working order, so you don’t have to worry. Our local partners even have their own workshop in Cuzco for mending, maintaining and cleaning it!

The little things

It’s the little things that can really make or break a camping holiday. We’re aware of this. That’s why there’ll always be a cup of tea waiting for you when you wake up in the mornings, a bowl of warm water in which to wash in the mornings and a helpful guide on hand to answer your questions and concerns.

Ready to take on the Inca Trail? Check out our trips below.